Tales of People Actually Struck by Lightening

While the idea of actually being struck by lightning sounds about as likely as winning the lottery, it does happen.

Lightning strikes the earth an average of 100 times per second, or 8.6 million times a day, according to the American Red Cross.

Those who have been injured by lightning and are lucky enough to survive may have permanent injuries including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, joint stiffness, weakness and depression.

Just how often does lightning strike? Weather officials say the United States receives up to 20 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per year.

"Many people believe that lightning is infrequent and that it's not a significant risk, which is very misleading," said Rocky Lopes, senior associate for disaster education at the American Red Cross.

The people in the six tales below would probably agree, as they have actually been struck by lightning -- and lived to tell about it.

1. Gold Crucifix and Chain Melted Around His Neck

Jason Crawford, 31, was riding a dirt bike in Gunnison County, Colorado when it started sprinkling lightly and a lightning bolt struck him out of the blue. The strike caused him to do a back flip off his bike and twist in the air before landing on the ground.

The strike melted a part of his bike helmet, fractured his skull and left burn scars on his chest and arm. A gold chain and crucifix he wore around his neck also melted, leaving the pattern of a rope burned into his skin. According to doctors, if Crawford had not been wearing the helmet, he probably would have died.